Lakers-Celtics is that rare single NBA regular-season game that can change the way we think about a team. That team, specifically, is the Lakers.

The Celtics can't alter any perceptions. They can only sustain the superiority that produced victories six of the past eight times the teams have played. For the Lakers, it's a chance to discover whether they have made any progress at all since the humbling end to their 2007-08 season. A loss would confirm our worst suspicions. But if they win, we can start salivating about a more competitive Finals rematch -- or perhaps LeBron versus Kobe in June.

"Rematch" can be the most fraudulent word in team sports. The rosters are too fluid, and the combination of chemistry and momentum are too difficult to recreate to produce a true rematch. Boxers have rematches. Basketball teams play again...